Hello everyone. I am just starting up in business in the UK as a professional dressmaker. have been sewing clothes since I was 11 and qualified o a couture standard in the late 80’s. Would other professional dressmakers give me any advice please and is there plenty work out there? I don’t want to do endless alterations as I prefer to make new. I am very experienced in all areas from prem babies to prom. would appreciate any advice.
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Replies
Hi Melanie,
Congratulations on your decision! I started doing this fulltime just last year. I think there is plenty of work, but you have to get the word out what you do and that you are available. I live in the country (TX), and just had color brochures printed up with photos of some of my work. I'm handing them out to local businesses. I've started with florists and salons. The response from most people is "I didn't know anyone did this sort of work anymore!" I don't know if you have a similar organization on that side of the pond, but you might check out PACC(Professional Association of Custom Clothiers).
Lots of luck!
Juliette in Texas
Hi Melanie
I have been working in the UK for about 15 years now and whilst work was a bit slow to begin I have as much as I want to do now.
Dont write off anyone who comes to you with what seems to be a small alteration - I have had a number of people use this to suss me out! Also if you really dont like someone then you are unlikely to be able to work well with them - lose them politely.
Time your work carefully as it is easy to underestimate the time you will take and charge a realistic (not necessarily small) sum for the work you are doing. We can all be busy fools so ensure you are reasonably rewarded for what you do. Dont be disheartened if you dont get the work you want immediately - it will come. We are after all a dying breed and a good dressmaker will get more work by word of mouth than any advertising.
Best of luck with your venture - keep us informed!
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